AMD Initiates Shipments of 64-bit Value Chips.

Advanced Micro Devices has already initiated its first value processors with 64-bit capability, just a couple of weeks after its larger rival Intel Corp. officially introduced its Celeron D processors with the same feature. With both AMD and Intel supplying 64-bit chips across all market segments, the era of 64-bit computer should be considered as ongoing.

“As of today AMD has 64-bit enabled Sempron processors available. Customers will be able to tell the difference between the 32-bit only and 64-bit enabled Sempron processors by the OPN number,” AMD’s spokesman Damon Muzny told X-bit labs.

The AMD Sempron chips in 754-pin form-factor have integrated PC3200 memory controller and also support NX-bit security capability. Particular specifications of AMD Sempron processors with 64-bit capability, such as clock-speeds and cache sizes, are not reported, but they should be similar to central processing units with the same processor numbers, but with no AMD64 enabled.

Sempron processors 2600+, 2800+, 3000+, 3100+, and 3300+ are priced at $74, $83, $98, $113, and $140 respectively, which is a bit higher compared to chips with similar characteristics, but without AMD64.

China’s largest computer maker Lenovo has already received the first batch of 64-bit enabled AMD Sempron processors.